Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade has become something of an institution these last few years, ushering in the release of some of the best seen download-only games yet seen; the likes of Limbo, Braid, Shadow Complex and last week’s Bastion to name but a few. Up next is From Dust, a release with a pedigree all of its own in the gaming …

COMMENTS

Value

Sounds well worth the £10 for some light-hearted evening gaming.

Actually, it really sounds like what I thought the final Populous would be like - not the awful travesty that tarnished the series' name. Maybe I'll save myself £10 and brush off my Populous II copy in DOSBox :) Armageddon!

Happy sysadmin day!

Agree 100% with review. Could have been amazing, but trying to scroll across a map and accurately scoop and dump a swirling ball of sand is not as satisfying as it could be when you're struggling with analogue sticks, mouse would be perfect.

The graphics also seem quite limited (sometimes hard to see your men running around) but for a £10 you cant argue its great value for money. Plus, as with all XBLA games there's a free trial to see if its your cup of tea, although I imagine the later levels are more fun than the ones in the trial.

Small minded Gods

Quite right. You are not supposed to *save* your people, you are supposed to *smite* them. Visit plagues upon them. You know, punish them. Generally make their lives an absolute misery so that they will be grateful for the (rare) occasions when you leave them alone.

Choice of icon? There isn't a gods icon so I figured this one would do just as well.

Agreed

@CD001

PC Version (possibly PS3 version too)

I was pretty annoyed when I found out the PC version isn't due out for another three weeks, around 13th August, so I went to rant on the official Facebore page to post about it. Someone called "Simon Nicholson" replied stating......

"Hey Paul, the reason the Console version was released earlier because it has to be toned down to run on Console hardware (limitations and such)

Whereas the PC Version has to be built to run on multiple different types of Architecture. The game also gets superior graphics and hopefully more content.

I also believe the PS3 version isn't out yet aswell."

I don't know if they are in any way related to the game but it makes a little sense. I still would have preferred a 'normal' version release at the same time as the 360 with updated graphics a little later.

I'll wait for the PC version

Every complaint I've heard against this game is along the lines of "the console controls are crap", as is almost always the case with strategy/God games, so I'll wait for the PC version and use a mouse.